24 Mar 2017

A new striker is arguably a major transfer priority for Liverpool this summer, and it looks like one of Liverpool's long-term transfer targets will definitely be available this summer...for a price.

Liverpool have been regularly linked with Borussia Dortmund star Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, and in a recent interview with BT Sport, Reds legend Steven Gerrard urged his old club to go all out out to sign the coveted striker:

"Yes [Liverpool should sign hi] but if he's in this type of form, he'll alert a lot of clubs not just Liverpool. He attacks the frame all the time and he gets tap-ins because of his movement".

"If he [Aubameyang] has a desire to leave, we'll listen to offers out of respect for him. If he leaves, it will be at a huge price. We'll easily get a minimum of €65m".

In January, Aubameyang admitted that he may be on the move this summer:

"I am considering a move away in the summer. I need to see what options there are. A lot of people would like to see me in England".

In the recent past, Aubameyang has hailed Liverpool as a 'special' club, and last season, he praised Klopp for moulding him into the player he is today:

"I owe him [Klopp] a lot. He taught me many things. If I play like this as a striker now, it is because of him."

Given Aubameyang's prior relationship with Klopp, Liverpool surely have to be in the transfer conversation?

The Reds are desperately in need of a new top-class striker, and to secure the best will require a massive transfer outlay, and the added carrot of Champions League, which remains a possibility this season.

I'd have no issue with Liverpool spending €65m on the right striker; Aubameyang fits the bill, and if he's available, Klopp (and FSG) should pull out all the stops to seal the deal.

That said, Watzke stated that €65m is the 'minimum' price, and if a bidding war erupts, it's likely that the final transfer fee will be a lot higher, which may ultimately rule out Liverpool.